In Japan, dry cleaning is a regular part of life. According to a LINE Research survey, nearly 80% of people use dry cleaning services at least once a year. While the idea of dry cleaning may be familiar, Japan has its own unique services and terms that might not be easy to understand at first. This guide will help you learn how dry cleaning works in Japan, what to expect, and how to communicate clearly at the shop. Let’s explore it together and make things simple.
Source: LINE Research
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: How Dry Cleaning Works in Japan
In Japan, dry cleaning is called クリーニング (kurīningu), and it’s an efficient and widely used service, making it a convenient option for keeping your clothes in top condition. Here’s what you can expect when using a dry cleaner in Japan.
The Dry Cleaning Process
The process of dry cleaning in Japan is similar to what you might find in other countries, but with a few key differences. Typically, when you bring your clothes to a dry cleaner, the staff will:
Inspect Your Clothes: The staff checks for any stains or damage that may need special attention.
Tag and Record Your Items: Each item is tagged with a unique number or barcode, ensuring it is returned to you correctly. You’ll receive a claim ticket with the same number.
Clean the Clothes: The clothes are placed in a machine that uses solvents (instead of water) to clean the fabric. This helps preserve the clothing’s texture and prevents shrinkage.
Finish with Pressing or Ironing: After cleaning, your clothes are pressed or steamed to remove wrinkles and restore their shape.
Common Types of Items Cleaned
Suits
Coats
Blouses and Shirts
Yukata and Kimonos
Bedding and Curtains
Sneakers
Boots
Stuffed Animals
Bags
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for dry cleaning in Japan is usually quite fast. While it can vary by location and the type of item, most standard items can be ready within 1-2 days. Some dry cleaners even offer express services, where your items are cleaned and returned the same day.
Where to Find Dry Cleaners
You can easily find dry cleaners in most neighborhoods in Japan. They can be standalone shops or part of larger convenience store chains. Some may also offer drop-off boxes for easy self-service. Many chain stores even have machines where you can simply pick up or drop off your clothes without needing to interact with a staff member.
Chapter 2: Key Vocabulary to Know
1. Service Flow Terms
These words relate to the process of using a dry cleaning service—from drop-off to pickup.
お預かり (おあずかり, o-azukari) – Item drop-off or deposit
お引き取り (おひきとり, o-hikitori) – Item pickup
- 引換表 (ひきかえひょう, hikikae hyō) – Exchange slip (the slip you present when picking up your items)
- 伝票 (でんぴょう, denpyō) – Claim ticket or receipt
仕上げ時間 (しあげじかん, shiage jikan) – Finishing time (when your clothes will be ready)
2. Types of Cleaning & Options
These terms describe the services offered and how your clothes will be returned.
ドライクリーニング (どらいくりーにんぐ, dorai kurīningu) – Dry cleaning
洗濯 (せんたく, sentaku) – Laundry (regular washing)
シミ抜き (しみぬき, shimi nuki) – Stain removal
特急仕上げ (とっきゅうしあげ, tokkyū shiage) – Express finishing
仕上げ (しあげ, shiage) – Finishing or pressing
3. How Clothes Are Returned
These words relate to the condition or packaging of your clothes.
ハンガー (はんがー, hangā) – Hanger
たたみ (たたみ, tatami) – Folding
4. Costs and Membership
These terms relate to pricing and membership systems.
料金 (りょうきん, ryōkin) – Price or fee
会員登録 (かいいんとうろく, kaiin tōroku) – Membership registration
Chapter 3: How to Use a Dry Cleaner
Using a dry cleaner in Japan is a straightforward process. Whether you’re using the service for the first time or you’re a regular customer, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.
1. Finding a Dry Cleaner
Dry cleaners are common and easy to find in most neighborhoods. Look for signs that say クリーニング (kurīningu) or ドライクリーニング (dorai kurīningu). Some larger chain stores may even have self-service kiosks where you can drop off and pick up your items.
2. Dropping Off Your Clothes
When you drop off your clothes at the dry cleaner, follow these steps:
Prepare Your Items: Make sure your clothes are ready to be cleaned. If you have specific requests, like シミ抜き (shimi nuki) (stain removal) or special care for delicate fabrics, let the staff know when you drop them off.
Receive a Claim Ticket: The staff will tag your clothes with an identification number and give you a 伝票 (denpyō) (receipt or claim ticket). This ticket is essential for picking up your items later, so be sure to keep it safe.
Choose Your Service: If you want specific services such as 特急仕上げ (tokkyū shiage) (express service), let the staff know at this point.
Payment: At the time of drop-off, you’ll pay the cleaning fee. Fees depend on the type of service, the number of items, and the turnaround time.
Set a Pickup Time: The dry cleaner will inform you of when your items will be ready for pickup, typically 1-2 days later. Same-day service may also be available in some cases.
3. Picking Up Your Clothes
When your clothes are ready, return to the dry cleaner to pick them up:
Present Your Claim Ticket: Hand over the 引換表 (hikikae hyō) (exchange slip) to the staff, who will retrieve your cleaned items.
Check the Items: Before leaving, inspect your clothes to make sure everything looks good. If there are any issues, such as stains that weren’t removed, let the staff know so they can resolve the issue.
Receive Your Clothes: Your clothes will be handed back to you, either on a ハンガー (hangā) (hanger) or folded (たたみ, tatami) depending on your preference.
4. Special Services to Know About
Many dry cleaners offer additional services, such as:
Express Service (特急仕上げ, tokkyū shiage): For a faster turnaround, some dry cleaners offer same-day or expedited cleaning services.
Stain Removal (シミ抜き, shimi nuki): If you have tough stains, ask for シミ抜き (shimi nuki) to treat them specifically.
Alterations (洋服のお直し, yōfuku no naoshi): Some dry cleaners also provide clothing alteration services like hemming or adjustments.
5. Membership Programs
Many dry cleaners offer 会員登録 (kaiin tōroku) (membership registration), which can be a great option if you plan to use the service regularly. Membership often comes with benefits like discounts, rewards points, and special offers.
For a guide to laundry symbols, please check this page.
Chapter 4: Key Phrases
When using a dry cleaner in Japan, it’s helpful to know some key phrases to communicate your needs clearly. Here are some common expressions you might use:
1. At the Dry Cleaner
クリーニングをお願いします。 (Kurīningu o onegaishimasu.)
“I’d like to use the dry cleaning service.”
Use this phrase when you’re ready to drop off your clothes.これをクリーニングしてください。 (Kore o kurīningu shite kudasai.)
“Please clean this.”
This is a simple way to indicate what you need cleaned.シミ抜きはできますか？ (Shimi nuki wa dekimasu ka?)
“Can you remove the stain?”
Use this if you need a specific stain treatment.特急仕上げをお願いします。 (Tokkyū shiage o onegaishimasu.)
“I’d like express service, please.”
If you need your clothes cleaned more quickly.何日で仕上がりますか？ (Nannichi de shiagarimasu ka?)
“When will it be ready?”
Ask this to find out the pickup date.
2. During Pickup
引換表を見せてください。 (Hikikae hyō o misete kudasai.)
“Please show me the exchange slip.”
Use this phrase when you’re ready to pick up your clothes.料金はいくらですか？ (Ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?)
“How much is the fee?”
This phrase will help you inquire about the cost of cleaning.確認させていただきます。 (Kakunin sasete itadakimasu.)
“I’ll check (the clothes) to confirm.”
A polite way to say you’re going to inspect your clothes before leaving.
3. If You Have Special Requests
ハンガーにかけてください。 (Hangā ni kakete kudasai.)
“Please hang it on a hanger.”
Use this if you’d like your clothes returned on a hanger.たたんでください。 (Tatande kudasai.)
“Please fold it.”
If you’d like your clothes returned folded.会員カードを作りたいです。 (Kaiin kādo o tsukuritai desu.)
“I’d like to make a membership card.”
This is useful if you’re interested in signing up for a membership program.これもクリーニングできますか？ (Kore mo kurīningu dekimasu ka?)
“Can you clean this too?”
Use this if you want to inquire about other items, such as shoes, bags, or other unusual items.
4. Other Useful Phrases
お預かりします。 (Oazukari shimasu.)
“I’ll take care of this.”
The staff may use this when taking your items for cleaning.伝票をお願いします。 (Denpyō o onegaishimasu.)
“Please give me the receipt.”
Use this phrase if you haven’t received a receipt when dropping off your clothes.もう少し待ってもいいですか？ (Mō sukoshi matte mo ii desu ka?)
“Is it okay if I wait a little longer?”
This can be useful if you arrive early to pick up your clothes or if there’s a delay.
Chapter 5: Major Dry Cleaning Chains in Japan
Japan has many dry cleaning chains offering consistent quality, convenient service, and membership benefits. Here are five of the most popular and accessible options for residents and visitors alike:
| Name | Official Site | No. of Stores | Main Areas | Price (Shirt) | Price (Suit) | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
White Express / Howaito Kyūbin |
4,500 |
Nationwide |
¥220+* |
¥690+* |
Budget-friendly, same-day service at some locations, widely available |
|
|
Hakuyosha |
378 |
Nationwide |
¥440 |
¥2,860 |
High-end quality, premium service, handles delicate and designer items |
|
|
Pony Cleaning |
750 |
Kanto region, urban areas |
¥250+ |
¥1,550+ |
Quick turnaround, popular in Tokyo and suburbs |
|
|
Lenet |
Online |
Nationwide |
¥495 |
¥2,175 |
Online-only, pickup/delivery at home, app-friendly |
*Prices are based on stores in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.
